Page 23 of Coach Offside
"Come back here," he says, though not right away. I manage to get a few long strokes in.
I shuffle back up to him and rest my chin on his chest. "Yes?"
"I mean it. I really do love you, Tex. When I came to Gilberton a few months ago, I was barely hanging on. You… You've changed me. You took me in and lifted my spirits when I was feeling so low. You're the most incredible person I've ever met, and I count my blessings every single day that I met you and am lucky enough to have you in my life."
"Whoa. Think that's the most words I've ever heard you say."
He grins, but a tear forms in the corner of his eye. "I mean every single one of them. I love you, Tex. With all of my heart. Forever and always."
"I like that," I say, lifting my head and cupping his face in my hands. "I love you so much, too. You see who I really am, past the usual bullshit people get caught up on. You make me feel seen."
"I do see you, Tex. All of you."
"Forever and always?"
"Forever and always." TD cracks a big smile. "Now, uh, I believe you were feasting on my ass?"
I grin. "I was."
"Well, don't let me stop you…"
